Endorsement: Morrison over Friedman in state Senate District 29

With the retirement of Susan Garrett, the Illinois Senate is losing an independent voice that has long reflected her largely North Shore district. At the same time, the 29th District has been redistricted more into the Northwest suburbs, but its essential character remains the same. Neither candidate running to replace Garrett has legislative experience. Julie Morrison, the West Deerfield Township supervisor, is Garrett’s choice to replace her in the Senate. Morrison, a former Republican turned Democrat who once worked for John Porter, has done a respectable job in a small public office and has working relationships with local officials that will be useful in Springfield. She also has sensible views, like tax credits for job creators, letting the Quinn tax hike expire and supporting good ideas no matter which party proposes them. Arie Friedman, the Republican, is a Highland Park pediatrician and a Naval veteran who ran unsuccessfully for the 10th congressional district in 2010. He’s clearly a smart man, and politically, he’s made an effort this year to move himself more toward the center. Still, Morrison appears the more likely candidate to reach across the aisle for solutions, and we’re going to hold her to that. Morrison is endorsed.